It’s the biggest park in New York City, and one of the most visited urban parks in the country. We’re talking about what might be one of the most recognizable landmarks aside from the Statue of Liberty and the Chrysler Building: Central Park.
People from all walks of life come here for their routine jogs with a business call in their ears, to take a breath fresh of air with their furry best friend or to keep up-to-date with whispering campaigns on benches. But if you’re like us, a beautiful day can quickly turn sour on an empty stomach. We’ve rounded up our favorite spots near the greens, ready to serve you the best of the best so that you can park the way you want.
See also: 14 Show-Stopping NYC Restaurants Near The Theater District
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116E 60th St. / 212.772.0404 / Website
T-Bar is one of New York’s beloved classic steakhouses, cradled in a lavishly decorated three-level townhouse. Tony Fortuna’s menu caters to visitors’ diverse tastes, with an impressive steak bar featuring prime dry-aged steaks and internationally inspired mains like their famous chicken milanese. Head to the lounge and bar on the second floor for some fresh cocktails to wrap up the perfect evening.
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Multiple locations / Website
A little more than 80 years ago in Milan, two pastry chefs came together to create the very first Sant Ambroeus. Manhattan’s very own Sant Ambroeus upholds its rich history as a delicious pasticceria and Italian cuisine celebrity. The cafe offers homemade pastries like the delicious Almond Cornetto or Principessa, perfect to pair with a caffè cappuccino. Pasta lovers might need to restrain themselves from Chef Iacopo Falai’s menu, bringing in a selection of high-quality dishes like the Linguine alle Vongole and Tagliatelle alla Bolognese.
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781 5th Ave. / 212.753.5566 / Website
Housed in the Sherry Netherland Hotel is a classy and busy picture of classic New York and classic Venice. Almost a duplicate of the original Harry’s Bar in Venice, Harry Cipriani seats busy crowds and serves Venetian favorites. It’s more casual and clubby, welcoming a social bunch while serving vibrant carpaccio and seafood dishes.
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1 Central Park W. / 212.299.3900 / Website
Fine dining and impeccable views. Reserve a table at this double Michelin-star awarded restaurant overlooking Central Park and Columbus Circle for a first-class feeling experience. Notes of French, American and Asian influences are scattered throughout its prix-fixe and tasting menus which take you on a three-hour haute cuisine tour. Jean-Georges is currently open for dinner with three experiences to choose from: six-course omnivore, ten-course omnivore or six-course vegetarian. You’ll leave happily stuffed and dreaming of the yellowfin tuna ribbons all the way home.
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240 Central Park S / 212.582.5100 / Website
Seafood lovers, this one is for you. This multi-award-winning spot is perfect for those of you looking for coastal Italy in New York. With dishes that have already won our hearts like grilled octopus and more unique dishes like the capesante (pan-seared sea scallop) or langoustine, you’ll leave happily stuffed with the dishes of your dreams.
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W 67th St. / 212.877.8684 / Website
Say hello to Central Park dining’s poster child: the Tavern On The Green. What used to be a hold of the park’s very own collection of sheep is now a restaurant that boasts a rustic menu and immersive dining experience. Seasonal and locally sourced ingredients shape its menu with highlights like the salmon burger and chardonnay braised beef shortrRibs. Stop by to see why visitors, locals and celebrities flock to the Tavern to celebrate life’s precious moments.
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170 Central Park W / 212.485.9211 / Website
Behind the large-bricked walls of the New-York Historical Society building is an inventive kitchen turning out a wide range of dishes that change with the seasons. The cozy space is lined with white dishes shelved on surrounding walls, leaving you and your party to savor the diverse flavors. We recommend the shakshouka, a hot and spicy tomato-egg dish. There’s also a Jewish deli menu with selections like matzo ball soup or a smoked salmon platter.
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1414 6th Ave. / 212.703.2007 / Website
Located in 1 Hotel Central Park is a menu that reflects Central Park’s natural and down-to-earth feel. Named the Best Chef of New York City in 2016, Jonathan Waxman is responsible for Jams’ season-dependent menu. It’s known for its menu that relies on fresh and locally-sourced ingredients with an equally natural and dynamic ambiance. Frequenters will recommend the brioche french toast or Jams benedict for a lovely start to your day.
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40 Central Park S / 212.956.4600 / Website
Crystal vases filled with white flowers sit at every table in this Lincoln Center restaurant. For three decades, Gabriel’s has prided itself in handmade pasta and cooking over a wood-burning grill. Their menu serves house specialties and rotating seasonal dishes; the most popular include truffle-honey drizzled lamb chops and grilled yellow-fin tuna. If you’re a chocolate lover, save some room for the warm chocolate truffle cake.
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123 W 52nd St. / 212.956.1404 / Website
Ocean Prime is perfect for any occasion that involves good conversation over plates of indulgent food. Its spaces accommodate any occasion with a main dining room, a lounge, private dining spaces and a weather-proof outdoor dining area. Think modern American menu with the different ways you can savor seafood and steak. We recommend the restaurant’s well-loved lobster bisque or blackened snapper for dinner. Don't skip dessert here or you’ll miss out on their staple warm butter cake.
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768 5th Ave. / 212.759.3000 / Website
If you’re planning on spending the day in Central Park, why not try another New York icon? From stone statues and marble pillars to tall palm trees and sage green accents, the glamorous yet playful Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel definitely passes Eloise’s approval. It’s known for its famous delicate and colorful afternoon tea sets which include vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free variations. It’s easy to get distracted by all of the elegancies, but don’t forget to look up and appreciate the beautiful stained glass dome.
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483 Columbus Ave. / 212.724.4615 / Website
Every piece of Italy is found here at Bellini. With pasta made in-house (pasta, ravioli and gnocchi) and consciously sourced and gathered ingredients (seafood, meat and produce), this spot devotes itself to serving truly authentic Italian dishes. Popular dishes include the linguini vongole (baby clams in a garlicky white wine and oil) and the butternut squash ravioli.
So if you're looking for a hassle-free outing to Central Park, skip the picnic and let one of these delicious restaurants take care of you instead. Let us know which one is your favorite!
Photography by: Alexander Spatari / Getty Images
